Switch from Laser Grbl to LinuxCNC

Hi Forum,

I am using my CNC machine with a CNC4PC Breakout board. I have LinuxCNC running and using Fusion 360 for CAD\CAM and drag knife.

I also have a laser attached to my machine, but usually I restart the PC and boot Windows and use Laser Grbl. In order to laser I use LibreCAD or Inkscape. I see that there is some support for Laser in LinuxCNC. I found a post Processor for Fusion 360 which is used for Laser.

I am still somehow stuck and don't know really how the workflow would look like if I drop Laser Grbl.

Raster Images can be created within LinuxCNC. I guess SVG and DXF files I have to load in Fusion 360 and create G-Code with the new post processor. Does that sound about right?

Mike

Have you given Lightburn a go.
I know there's $$$ but I've had no issue with using it with Linux.

The rest of your work flow shouldn't change with a switch to Linux.

You would have to get rid of the GRBL controller to use LinuxCNC, they are both controllers so can not be used at the same time.
There are several GRBL software versions that work on Linux, open source ones.
GRBL uses USB
LinuxCNC uses parallel port or ethernet, does not work through USB (well it can work but not as is)

@Cornhoilo does Lightburn create G Code for LinuxCNC?

@Tommylight, It seems I was not quite clear. I do not use both at the same time, but both at the same machine. Same PC, Same Stepper driver, Same Limit switches,... I have the PC set up for dual boot, LinuxCNC or Windows (Laser Grbl). All I have to do is change the parallel port cable with the Arduino. Please see the picture below.

 

OK, so you are all set up.
Here is what i use for raster "engraving"
forum.linuxcnc.org/show-your-stuff/46752...ver-etcher-scratcher
and
forum.linuxcnc.org/10-advanced-configura...posing-a-pic?start=0

Lightburn controls the laser engraver\cutter directly via USB